| Etext transcriber's note: Any of the images may be seen at an enlarged size by clicking on them. The use of Spanish accents in this text varies and has not been altered (ie. both Senor and Señor [tilde n], Senora and Señora [tilde n], José [acute accented letter e] and Jose appear; both Nunez and Nuñez [tilde n], Marti and Martí [acute accented i], Carreno and Carreño appear [tilde n].) Several typographical errors have been corrected (Almandares=>Almendares, Donate=>Donato, etc.). |
The first great apostle and martyr of the Cuban War of Independence, José Martí, was born in Havana on January 28, 1853, and fell in battle at Dos Rios on May 19, 1895. He was a Professor of Literature, Doctor of Laws, economist, philosopher, essayist, journalist, poet, historian, statesman, tribune of the people, organizer of the final and triumphant cause of Cuban freedom. He suffered imprisonment in Spain and exile in Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States, doing his crowning work in the last-named country as the vitalizing and energizing head of the Cuban Junta in New York. His fame must be lasting as the nation which he founded, wide as the world which he adorned.
THE
HISTORY OF CUBA
BY
WILLIS FLETCHER JOHNSON
A.M., L.H.D.
Author of "A Century of Expansion," "Four Centuries of
the Panama Canal," "America's Foreign Relations"
Honorary Professor of the History of American Foreign
Relations in New York University
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS
VOLUME FOUR
NEW YORK
B. F. BUCK & COMPANY, INC.
156 FIFTH AVENUE
1920
Copyright, 1920,
BY CENTURY HISTORY CO.
All rights reserved
ENTERED AT STATIONERS HALL
LONDON, ENGLAND.
PRINTED IN U. S. A.
CONTENTS
| PAGE | ||
| [CHAPTER I—] | —[1] | |
| Cuba for the Cubans—Era of the War of Independence—Organization of theCuban Revolutionary Party—Vigilance of the Spanish Government—TheSartorius Uprising—The Abarzuza "Home Rule" Measure—Beginning of theWar of Independence—José Marti, His Genius and His Work—Members of theJunta in New York—Independence the Aim—Marti's Departure forCuba—Association with Maximo Gomez—Death of Marti—His Legacy ofIdeals to Cuba. | ||
| [CHAPTER II—] | —[19] | |
| Aims and Methods of the Junta—Efforts to Avoid AmericanComplications—Filibustering Expeditions—Contraband MessengerService—Attitude of the Various Classes of the Cuban People Toward theRevolution—No Racial nor Partisan Differences—The Spanish Element—TheMass of the Cuban People United for National Independence. | ||
| [CHAPTER III—] | —[29] | |
| The First Uprising—Failure in Havana—Success in Oriente—Response ofthe Spanish Authorities—Superior Numbers of the Spanish Forces—EarlyComplications with the United States-Seeking Terms with thePatriots—Grim Reception of an Envoy—Ministerial Crisis at Madrid overCuban Affairs—Martinez Campos, "Spain's Greatest Soldier," Sent toCuba—His Conciliatory Policy—His Military Preparations—AntonioMaceo—Uprisings in Many Places—Provisional Government of thePatriots—Campos's Barricades—Campos Beaten by Maceo. | ||
| [CHAPTER IV—] | —[47] | |
| Declaration of Cuban Independence—First Constitutional Convention—TheFirst Government of Ministers—Founders of the CubanGovernment—Desperate Efforts of Campos—Disadvantages of theCubans—Plantation Work Forbidden—Campaigns by Maceo and Gomez—Lossesof the Spaniards at Sea—Reenforcements from Spain Welcomed—CubanHeadquarters at Las Tunas—Invasion of Matanzas—Defeat and NarrowEscape of Campos—Action of the Autonomists—Loyalty Pledged toCampos—State of Siege in Havana—Campos Recalled to Spain. | ||
| [CHAPTER V—] | —[65][{iv}] | |
| General Marin—General Weyler the New Captain-General—His Arrival andRemorseless Policy—Cuban Elections a Farce—The Trocha—A War ofRuthless Destruction—Many Filibustering Expeditions—Interest of theUnited States Government—Diplomatic Controversies—Efficiency of theProvisional Government—Strengthening the Trocha—Activity of Maceo—HisBetrayal and Death—Campaigns of Gomez and Others—Calixto Garcia—TheGreat Advance Westward—President Cleveland's Significant Message to theUnited States Congress. | ||
| [CHAPTER VI—] | —[82] | |
| Bad Effects of Maceo's Death—Weyler in the Field Against Gomez—Daringand Death of Bandera—Dissensions in the Camp of Gomez—Weyler'sConcentration Policy—A Practical Attempt at Extermination—SenatorProctor's Observations—President McKinley's Message—Crisis inSpain—Weyler Recalled and Succeeded by Ramon Blanco—Further Attemptsat Reform and Conciliation—Condition of Cuba—The RevolutionistsUncompromising—The Ruiz-Aranguren Tragedy—Organization of theAutonomist Government—Attitude of the Spaniards—Visit of the Maine toHavana—Destruction of the Vessel—The Investigations—Futile Efforts ofthe Autonomist Government | ||
| [CHAPTER VII—] | —[103] | |
| The Destruction of the Maine not the Cause of AmericanIntervention—Causes Which Led to the War—DiplomaticNegotiations—German Intrigue—President McKinley's War Message—HisAttitude Toward the Cuban People—Spanish Resentment—Declaration ofWar—American Agents Sent to Cuba—Attitude of Maximo Gomez—Supplies,not Troops, Wanted—Blockade of the Cuban Coast—Spanish Fleet atSantiago—Landing of the American Army—Operations at Santiago—Servicesof the "Rough Riders"—Naval Battle of Santiago—Surrender of theSpanish Army—The Armistice. | ||
| [CHAPTER VIII—] | —[118] | |
| Departure of the Spanish Forces from Cuba—Treaty of Peace Between theUnited States and Spain—Cuba to be Made Independent—The CubanDebt—First American Government of Intervention—The Roll of SpanishRulers from Velasquez in 1512 to Castellanos in 1899—Relations betweenAmericans and Cubans—Disbandment of the Provisional Government andDemobilization of the Cuban Army—A Mutinous Demonstration—Paying Offthe Cuban Soldiers. | ||
| [CHAPTER IX—] | —[139][{v}] | |
| American Occupation of Cuba—General Wood's Administration atSantiago—His Antecedents and Preparation for His Great Work—AFormidable Undertaking—Conquering Pestilence—Organization of the RuralGuards—American Administration at Havana and Throughout theIsland—Grave Problems Confronting General Brooke—Agricultural andIndustrial Rehabilitation—Reorganizing Local Government—TriumphalProgress of Maximo Gomez—Unification of Sentiment Among thePeople—Finances of the Island—Church and State—MarriageReform—Franchises Refused—The Census—Improving the School System. | ||
| [CHAPTER X—] | —[158] | |
| General Brooke Succeeded by General Leonard Wood—Favorable Reception ofthe Soldier-Statesman—A Cabinet of Cubans—Efficient Attention Paid toPublic Education—Cuban Teachers at Harvard—Caring for DerelictChildren—Public Works—Sanitation—PortImprovements—Roads—Paving—The Heroic Drama of the Conquest of YellowFever—Work of General Gorgas—A Home of Pestilence Transformed into aSanitarium—Reforms in Court Procedure—Cleaning Up the Prisons—TheFirst Election in Free Cuba—Rise of Political Parties—Taxation and theTariff—Increase of Commerce. | ||
| [CHAPTER XI—] | —[185] | |
| Preparations for Self-Government—Call for a ConstitutionalConvention—The Election—Meeting of the Convention—General Wood'sAddress—Organization of the Convention—Framing theConstitution—Debates over Church and State, and PresidentialQualifications—Signing of the Constitution—No Americans Present at theConvention—General Provisions of the Constitution—Relations betweenCuba and the United States—Controversy between the TwoGovernments—Origin of the "Platt Amendment"—Attitude of the CubansToward It—Malign Agitation and Misrepresentation—A Mission toWashington—Final Adoption of the Amendment. | ||
| [CHAPTER XII—] | —[204] | |
| Text of the Constitution of the Cuban Republic—The Nation, Its Form ofGovernment, and the National Territory—Cubans and Foreigners—Bill ofRights—Sovereignty and Public Powers—The Legislature—ThePresident—The Vice-President—The Secretaries of State—The JudicialPower—Provincial and Municipal Governments—Amendments. | ||
| [CHAPTER XIII—] | —[240][{vi}] | |
| Election of the First Cuban Government—Candidates for thePresidency—Tomas Estrada Palma Chosen by Common Consent—General Maso'sCandidacy—The Election—Close of the American Occupation—A Festal Weekin Havana—Transfer of Authority to the Cuban Government—The Cuban Flagat Last Raised in Sovereignty of the Island—President Roosevelt'sEstimate of General Wood's Work in Cuba—President Palma's Cabinet—HisFirst Message—The United States Naval Station—Reciprocity Securedafter Discreditable Delay at Washington. | ||
| [CHAPTER XIV—] | —[259] | |
| Admirable Work of the Palma Administration—Rise of SordidFactionalism—José Miguel Gomez, Alfredo Zayas and OrestesFerrara—Character of the Liberal Party, and of the ConservativeParty—Conspiracy to Discredit an Election—An AbortiveInsurrection—Pino Guerra's Intrigues—The Rebellion of José MiguelGomez—President Palma's Unpreparedness and Incredulity—His Faith inthe People—The Crisis—Suggestions of the AmericanConsul-General—American Intervention sought—Ships and TroopsSent—Arrival of Mr. Taft—His Negotiations with the Rebels—HisYielding to Their Threats—Resignation of Estrada Palma—Mr. Taft'sPardon to the Rebels—Charles E. Magoon Made ProvisionalGovernor—Estimate of President Palma and His Administration. | ||
| [CHAPTER XV—] | —[283] | |
| Mr. Magoon's Administration—Recognition of the Liberals—The OfficesFilled with Liberal Placeholders—Execution of Many Public Works—A NewCensus Taken—New Electoral Law—Proportional Representation—NewElections Held—Split in the Liberal Party—The PresidentialCampaign—Bargain between José Miguel Gomez and Alfredo Zayas—GeneralMenocal and Dr. Montoro—The Victory of the Liberals—Changes inProvincial and Municipal Administrations—Revision of Laws—SettlingChurch Claims—End of the Second Intervention. | ||
| [CHAPTER XVI—] | —[297] | |
| Administration of President José Miguel Gomez—His Cabinet Sketch of HisCareer—Sketch of Vice-President Zayas—Army Reorganization—NewLaws—The President's Sensitiveness to Criticism—Officials inPolitics—Charges of Profligacy and Corruption—Clash with the Veterans'Association—The United States Interested—Quarrels between Gomez andZayas—Formidable Negro Revolt Suppressed—Reluctance to SettleClaims—Outrage Upon an American Diplomat—Amnesty Bill—The LotteryEstablished—The "Dragado" Scandal—The Railroad Terminal. | ||
| [CHAPTER XVII—] | —[312][{vii}] | |
| The Fourth Presidential Campaign—Candidacy and Career of Mario G.Menocal—His Brilliant Work in the War of Independence and in the SugarIndustry—Sketch of Enrique José Varona—Dr. Rafael Montoro'sDistinguished Career—His Diplomatic Services and LiteraryAchievements—President Menocal's Cabinet—His Aims and Plans for HisAdministration—First Message to Congress—Factional Obstruction—PayingOff Old Debts—Trying to Abolish Gambling—The CivilService—Controversy Over the Asbert Amnesty Bill—A Small Insurrection. | ||
| [CHAPTER XVIII—] | —[328] | |
| Reelection of President Menocal—Features of the Campaign—LiberalConspiracy to Invalidate the Election by Revolutionary Means—DisputedElections—The Double Treason of José Miguel Gomez—Outbreak of aCarefully Planned Insurrection—Intrigues of Orestes Ferrara in theUnited States—Vigorous Military Action of President Menocal—AmericanAssistance Wisely Declined—Capture of the Rebel Chieftain—Efforts ofthe Insurgents at Devastation—Continuance of the Rebellion by CarlosMendieta—Dr. Ferrara Warned by the American Government—Attempts toAssassinate President Menocal—Clemency Shown to Criminals—Attitude ofthe United States Government—Some Plain Talk from Washington. | ||
| [CHAPTER XIX—] | —[346] | |
| Cuba's Entry into the War of the Nations—President Menocal's WarMessage—Prompt Response of Congress—Sentiments of the CubanPeople—German Propaganda—Attitude of the Church—Liberal Intrigueswith Germans—Seizure of German Ships—Conservation and IncreasedProduction of Food—Military Services—Generous Subscriptions to LibertyLoans—Mrs. Menocal's Leadership in Red Cross Work—Noble Activities ofthe Women of Cuba—Moral and Spiritual Effect of Cuba's Participation inthe War. | ||
| [CHAPTER XX—] | —[355] | |
| Marti's Epigram on the Revolution—How It has been Fulfilled by theCuban Republic—The Sense of Responsibility—Progress in PopularEducation as a Criterion—Great Gain in Health—Enormous Growth of theSugar Industry—Commerce of the Island—Stable Finances—SanitaryEfficiency—Military Reorganization—Statesmanship of PresidentMenocal—Cuba's Unique Situation Among the Countries of theGlobe—Significance of the Record Which She has Made from Velasquez toMenocal. | ||
| [INDEX] | —[367] | |
ILLUSTRATIONS
| FULL PAGE PLATES | |
|---|---|
| José Marti | Frontispiece |
| FACING PAGE | |
| The Prado | [16] |
| Maximo Gomez | [44] |
| José Antonio Maceo | [74] |
| Bay and Harbor of Havana | [98] |
| Old and New in Havana | [134] |
| Leonard Wood | [158] |
| University of Havana | [164] |
| Carlos J. Finlay | [172] |
| The Capitol | [204] |
| Tomas Estrada Palma | [248] |
| The President's Home | [268] |
| The Academy of Arts and Crafts | [288] |
| Mario G. Menocal | [312] |
| Enrique José Varona | [316] |
| Rafael Montoro | [320] |
| Senora Menocal | [352] |
| Boneato Road, Oriente | [358] |
| TEXT EMBELLISHMENTS | |
| Ricardo del Monte | [2] |
| Julian del Casal | [6] |
| José Ramon Villalon | [13] |
| George Reno | [21] |
| La Punta Fortress, Havana | [33] |
| Aniceto G. Menocal | [50] |
| General Weyler | [66] |
| William McKinley | [87] |
| Antonio Govin | [95][{x}] |
| Admiral Cervera | [110] |
| Admiral Schley | [110] |
| Old Fort at El Caney | [112] |
| Theodore Roosevelt | [113] |
| Monuments on San Juan Hill | [114] |
| Admiral Sampson | [115] |
| Peace Tree near Santiago | [116] |
| Part of Old City Wall of Havana | [122] |
| Gonzalez Lanuza | [146] |
| Evelio Rodriguez Lendian | [162] |
| Antonio Sanchez de Bustamente | [165] |
| Almendares River, Havana | [167] |
| Old Time Water Mill, Havana Province | [169] |
| Street in Vedado, Suburb of Havana | [176] |
| Aurelia Castillo de Gonzalez | [192] |
| Scene in Villalon Park, Havana | [247] |
| Flag of Cuba | [250] |
| Coat of Arms of Cuba | [251] |
| William H. Taft | [276] |
| José Miguel Gomez | [298] |
| Dr. Alfredo Zayas | [300] |
| Birthplace of Mario G. Menocal | [313] |
| Dr. Juan Guiteras | [321] |
| General D. Emilio Nuñez | [328] |
| José Luis Azcarata | [341] |
| Francisco Dominguez Roldan | [357] |
| José A. del Cueto | [359] |
| Dr. Fernandez Mendez-Capote | [360] |
| General José Marti | [360] |
| Eugenio Sanchez Agramonte | [362] |
| Academy of Sciences, Havana | [364] |